Old Port, Portland
Portland, ME
A compact waterfront district of cobbled streets and brick warehouses turned into shops, galleries and seafood spots. Park in a garage and walk the lanes down to the working piers, which are best in the morning.
The Old Port lies on the southeast side of the Portland peninsula, with cobblestone streets, 19th-century brick buildings and working fishing piers. The district was largely rebuilt after the Great Fire of 1866, which is why many of its facades are brick. In the 1970s, vacant buildings were converted into shops, restaurants and apartments. Exchange Street was laid out as early as 1724, then still called Fish Street. The Portland Waterfront Historic District, which covers much of the Old Port, has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1974.
Allow two to three hours for a walk between Exchange Street, Fore Street and the piers along Commercial Street. Parking is scarce, so it is best to leave your vehicle in a garage on the edge of the district. Ferries to the islands of Casco Bay leave from the ferry terminal. Morning is the best time to experience the life of the harbor.
- Nearest town
- Portland, ME
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 43.6575, -70.2520
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually June and August–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and July. Cold, short days in December–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- FortlandCampsite2 mi from Old Port, PortlandToiletsNo dogs
- Bayley's Camping ResortMotorhome stopover10 mi from Old Port, PortlandMotorhomesWi-Fi
- Hid'n Pines Family CampgroundMotorhome stopover11 mi from Old Port, PortlandTentsMotorhomes
- Wild AcresMotorhome stopover13 mi from Old Port, PortlandTentsMotorhomes
- Red Apple CampgroundMotorhome stopover22 mi from Old Port, PortlandTentsCaravansMotorhomesWaste disposal
- Acres of WildlifeMotorhome stopover22 mi from Old Port, PortlandTentsMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposalWi-Fi
All campsites in Maine · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Old Port, Portland?
Old Port, Portland is in Portland, ME, at GPS 43.6575, -70.2520. It is about 23 mi from Brunswick.
Can you camp near Old Port, Portland?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Fortland, about 2 mi away; within 25 mi there are 43 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Old Port, Portland?
Places worth a stop nearby: Portland Head Light (3 mi), Dock Square (23 mi), Popham Beach State Park (23 mi) and Maine Maritime Museum (27 mi).
When is the best time to visit Old Port, Portland?
The most pleasant months are usually June and August–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and July. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)